Dried Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) | (500g)

About

Dried Codonopsis Root, or Dang Shen, is the kind of herb many households keep stocked for the long run. With its light earthy flavour, it finds its way into teas, tonics and soups that simmer for hours.

Dang Shen has been part of Chinese kitchens and herbal traditions for generations, where it is regarded as a gentler relative of ginseng. It was never only about taste, though its flavour is quietly pleasant, but about its place in meals and family routines.

This larger 500g pack is the practical choice for families, regular tea drinkers, and anyone cooking traditional recipes in bulk. It offers better value than smaller packs and means you will not run out midway through a batch of soup or tea.

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Potential Benefits

• Traditional Heritage: Used in Chinese practice for centuries, where it is regarded as a gentler alternative to ginseng.
• Naturally Sweet: Its gentle, faintly sweet character is why Dang Shen blends into soups and teas without dominating them.
• Balance: In traditional classification it is described as neutral, and belongs among the milder herbs.
• Distinctive Texture: The dried root is fibrous and slightly springy, and holds its shape through a long simmer.
• Versatile: Suits clear broths, chicken soups, vegetable stocks and simple infusions alike.

Recommended Dosage

We recommend around 10g per portion.

Brewing in bigger batches: a handful of slices simmered for 20 minutes gives a light, grounding drink. Some keep it plain, others mix it with ginger, jujube or goji berries for a more layered taste.

Cooking: a few pieces dropped into chicken soup or vegetable stock give a richer, more rounded flavour. Households who cook in bulk often add it to big pots shared across several meals. Lift the pieces out before serving, as the root stays fibrous.

Keep sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With a pack this size, decanting a working amount into a smaller jar keeps the bulk sealed for longer.

Other Formats of This Herb

Dang Shen is stocked in three forms:

• This 500g pack is the sliced dried root in the bulk size
• Dried Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) | 100g the same sliced root in a smaller pouch
• Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) Granules | 100g bottle dissolves in hot water in seconds, with no simmering

What to Cook It With

Dang Shen is rarely the only herb in the pot. These are the ones it most often appears with:

• Dried Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) | 100g the classic partner to Dang Shen in tonic soups and teas
• Dried Jujube Dates (Hong Zao) | 500g added for natural sweetness in slow-cooked broths
• Dried Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) | 500g the third ingredient in the most common everyday combination
• Dried Chinese Yam (Shan Yao) | 500g mild and starchy, a natural fit in the same soups

Why Choose Vita?

At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we believe in keeping things natural. Our Codonopsis Root is never treated with sulphur, so what you get is the herb as it should be. You can read more on our non-sulphur treated herbs page.

We source directly from DaoDi regions, where the soil and climate produce roots of genuine quality. Our grower partnerships go back to 2010, built on trust, care and respect for tradition.

FAQ

What is Dried Codonopsis Root?
Dang Shen comes from the Codonopsis pilosula plant and is one of the longest-established roots in Chinese herbal practice.

What does it taste like?
Mild, earthy and slightly sweet, gentle enough to blend with other ingredients rather than stand out.

How do I prepare it as tea?
Simmer a handful of slices in water for around 20 minutes and strain.

How is it different from ginseng?
Dang Shen is a separate plant, regarded in traditional practice as gentler and milder than the true ginsengs, which is why it suits everyday cooking.

Why pick the 500g pack?
It suits households, frequent tea drinkers, or anyone who cooks with Dang Shen often. If you only use it occasionally, the 100g pouch is the smaller option.

How should I store it?
Sealed, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With a pack this size, decanting a working amount into a smaller jar keeps the bulk sealed for longer.